BENJAMIN & JAMES SMITH

Made in London, 1809

Maker’s Mark of Benjamin Benjamin Smith & James Smith

Diameter: 15cm (5.9in)

Height: 5.9cm (2.3in)

Weight: 821gr (26.4oz)

This magnificent pair of regency wine coasters were made in London in 1809 and are some of the finest examples from the period. They are designed with a wonderful grape and vine border combined with classical designs above and below. They were made by the great silversmith Benjamin Smith II in partnership with his brother James Smith.

The partnership of Benjamin Smith II (1764–after 1826) and his brother James Smith III (active c.1807–1812) occupies a distinguished place in the history of English silversmithing. Working in London during the early decades of the nineteenth century, the Smith brothers epitomised the elegance and refinement of the Regency style, creating silver that blended classical ideals with the practical requirements of elite domestic life.

By the early 1800s, Benjamin had moved to London, where he established himself within the competitive world of metropolitan silversmiths. His earliest partnerships included a fruitful collaboration with Digby Scott, producing pieces that frequently passed through the prestigious firm of Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, suppliers of silver to George III and the Prince Regent.

Around 1807, Benjamin formed a new partnership with his brother James. Working together as Benjamin & James Smith, the brothers registered joint maker’s marks. Their partnership was relatively short-lived, dissolving around 1812, but during this brief span they produced some of the most accomplished silverware of the Regency era. Their output reflects both technical mastery and a keen awareness of contemporary taste.

The Smiths’ work is distinguished by its embrace of neoclassical ornament. Borders of scrolling acanthus, grapevine motifs, and pierced wheat-ear designs reflect the Regency enthusiasm for classical antiquity, while elegant proportions and refined chasing reveal their technical skill. Their objects ranged from salvers and cake baskets to wine coolers, trays, coasters and epergnes. There is a silver-gilt salver of 1810–1811, now in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Pieces that bears the makers mark of Benjamin & James Smith rival the productions of their better-known contemporary, Paul Storr, whose fame sometimes overshadowed theirs. Yet the Smith brothers’ silver often exhibits a comparable balance of restraint and ornament and like Storr, their patrons included the wealthiest and most important people in society including the Prince Regent, later King George IV.